Engaging Missions

Engaging Missions

By Bryan EntzmingerReligion & SpiritualityChristianityEducationSelf-Improvement
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Engaging Missions episodes

  • EM022: Missional Community and Discipleship in Peru with Steve Bremner
    Steve is a Canadian-born missionary to Peru who stopped off in Florida for his ministry education. He’s also a blogger, author, the host of the Fire on Your Head podcast. I first found Steve through his podcast and really enjoyed it. I loved hearing how God was using their ministry to bring people to know Christ and to advance the Kingdom.
    39 min
  • EM021: Returning to Ukraine with Caleb Suko

    Caleb Suko and his family are missionaries to Ukraine. Right how they’re in the US, preparing to return in just a few weeks. In spite of all the fighting and challenges, they feel like God would have them return.
    He’s also a podcaster, a blogger, and the vice president of Church Ministries Institute. In fact, I was first introduced to Caleb through his blog at SukoFamily.org and his podcast – Now is the Time. If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook, you may have noticed that I’ve shared a few of his posts and episodes.
    I appreciate his honesty and his perspective. I think there’s a lot that Caleb can offer us today and it’s my hope that our conversation will inspire and challenge you and me. And that we’ll walk away with some understanding of how we can apply what he’s learned wherever God has called us.
    I'd also like to mention that he just released a book on amazon called “What if… How to Kill Worry and Anxiety Before They Kill You!”
    Life in Ministry
    Caleb and his family minister in the region of Odessa, Ukraine. They are heavily involved with the local church, minister to other churches in the region, provide support for other missionaries, and provide training in missions and evangelism.
    He typically walks about 2.5 km (1.5 miles) to and from work every day. He spends 3-4 days a week in the ministry's office and the other 1-2 days working in their local church. On the weekends, he often ministers in their church or in other churches in the region.
    Key Scripture
    Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
    in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.
    Proverbs 3:5-6
    Challenge
    As they Caleb was finishing up seminary and they were preparing to leave, their son was diagnosed with cancer. It was a really difficult time for them but through it all, they saw God's faithfulness and were able to share the hope they had with others.

    Revelation
    Rather than a moment of revelation that Caleb and his family had to begin to walk out, they discovered that God revealed His plan to them through what they'd already begun.
    While they were still seeking God's will and direction, they began ministering while they were visiting Caleb's wife's parents in Ukraine. They were just ministering while they were there, and considered it training. They had no idea that they were already laying the groundwork for God's call in their lives.
    As they prayed about it, they realized that it was both practical and that God had given them the desire to step into that ministry.
    Current Ministry
    When they return, Caleb plans to focus on two key initiatives. The first is to develop a distance-learning plan for the Russian-speaking population. Because of the geography, and also the political and religious climate of some of they countries, traditional ministry education isn't possible for some people.
    Second, they hope to be able to help some of the refugees, displaced by the war in Ukraine.
    I asked Caleb how he prioritizes and chooses what to do, with so many ministry opportunities available. His answer applies to missions, business, and life in general.
    It's critical to have a clear vision for your ministry. At first, you can say “yes” to many things. But later,
    43 min
  • EM020: Cross-Cultural Missions at Home and Abroad with Erin Paul

    Erin Paul is a 20-year-old college student who is investing her life in cross-cultural missions at home and abroad. She ministers in the US during the school year and takes short-term mission trips while on school breaks.
    I was first introduced to Erin when she spoke at our church a few weeks ago. She felt called to go on a mission trip to Kenya along with a group from our church and shared about her experiences for a few minutes.
    While she's in the US, Erin ministers as an intern with Community Servants, a local ministry that partners with the Wherry Housing cooperative to provide low-income housing as well as a wide range of educational opportunities for children and adults.
     

     
    Key Scripture
    However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
    Acts 20:24
    Challenge
    This past Christmas break, Erin spent some time in a refugee camp in Thailand. Because of some things that changed, she was the only English-speaker there. She faced some challenges that really made her depend on God.
    Revelation
    On a mission trip to Northern Thailand, Erin saw what life was like for many of the people she ministers to through Community Servants in Smyrna, TN. That experience really changed her perspective and how she approaches ministry to the Karen people from Burma (Myanmar).
    She is now very intentional with forming relationships and looking for discipleship opportunities.
    Current Ministry
    In a couple of weeks, Erin will begin teaching an English class for adults. She has a heart for education and is really looking forward to meeting the new students as well as reconnecting with returning students.
    Significance in the Marketplace
    Level Up
    One thing that was really meaningful for Erin was when people would reach out to her by email, Skype, or Facebook. It can be lonely and hard, so it's really nice to know that people care about you and what you're doing.
    She shared several ways to do that

    * Really build relationships; talk if you can.
    * Find out what is going on and how God is working there.
    * Let them know you care and are praying for them.

    Speed Round
    Hindsight

    * How hard it is to have her heart in so many places around the world.

    Best Advice
    Personal Success Habit

    * Constant communication with The Lord. Finding out what he wants her to do and thanking Him in everything.

    Internet Resource

    * WordPress

    If you're considering WordPress, I recommend Bluehost for hosting

    Book Recommendation

    * Jesus > Religion: Why He Is So Much Better Than Trying Harder, Doing More, and Being Good Enough

    Shifts in Society
    What's happening is definitely a God thing. What's been happening in the international community Wherry Housing has been a huge blessing.
    Cross-Cultural Ministry
    Erin says that a great first-step is to simply get to know people from other cultures. Be brave enough to step out of your comfort zone and just get to know the...
    0 min
  • EM019: Missions and Discipleship Through Performing Arts with Seth Brooks

    I’m really excited to have Seth Brooks with me today. This has been a long-awaited interview because Seth and I started talking about this months ago. It’s also a very special interview because Seth is sitting right in front of me in the studio. We’re NOT connected over Skype.
    For the last couple of years, Seth has been on staff with Youth with a Mission in Perth Australia. He’s traveled to several countries and, most recently, led the first ever Performing Arts Discipleship Training School.
    Life in Ministry
    Unlike some missionaries, Seth's life is somewhat itinerant. While he's in Perth, he lives on a base with 250 to 300 other people. They are involved in daily worship and service ministries. As part of his involvement with the Performing Arts Discipleship Training School (PADTS), he helps students complete their applications and file for necessary paperwork.
    However, like many of us, some of his ministry involves short-term travel. Most recently, he led the PADTS team on a three-month outreach to India.
    Key Scripture
    The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
    because the Lord has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
    He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
    to proclaim freedom for the captives
    and release from darkness for the prisoners,
    to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
    and the day of vengeance of our God,
    to comfort all who mourn,
    and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
    to bestow on them a crown of beauty
    instead of ashes,
    the oil of joy
    instead of mourning,
    and a garment of praise
    instead of a spirit of despair.
    They will be called oaks of righteousness,
    a planting of the Lord
    for the display of his splendor.
    They will rebuild the ancient ruins
    and restore the places long devastated;
    they will renew the ruined cities
    that have been devastated for generations.
    Isaiah 61:1-4
    Challenge
    While on the PADTS outreach, Seth ran into some pretty significant health challenges. He'd overextended himself and his health was suffering – to the point that he took days off to rest while his team ministered without him.
    Note: That reminded me of what Paul Yoder shared during his interview.
    Revelation
    A few years ago Seth was 26, living at home with his parents, and working a dead-end job. During that time he really sought God's will for his life and ministry. True to form, God spoke to Seth, but in a surprising way.
    Current Ministry
    Seth is very excited about how well the Performing Arts Discipleship Training School went. Because of this breakthrough, they are planning additional schools and outreaches using this model.
    Significance in the Marketplace
    Level Up
    Seth mentioned that it can be really exciting for a missionary to hear back from their supporters and partners. Just knowing that they're paying attention and are praying can be really encouraging.
    Speed Round
    Hindsight

    * Seth didn't realize how challenging it would be

    Best Advice
    Personal Success Habit
    Seth is driven to excellence. While that can create challenges like the health issues on his outreach, it also challenges him and those around to do and be better.
    Internet Resource

    * MailChimp

    Book Recommendation

    * Is That Really You, God?

    Shifts in Society
    27 min

About Engaging Missions

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Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a missionary?